Environmental Impact of Human Activities on Oceans

Introduction to Planet Earth

• Earth, referred to as Terra or our globe, is the home of Homo sapiens.
• Human activities have significantly impacted the planet throughout our short existence.

Impact on Oceans

• One of the most significant impacts is the pollution of oceans, primarily through plastic waste.
• Plastics pose a severe threat to marine environments and subsequently to human health.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

• The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is the largest of five ocean garbage patches, located in the northern Pacific Ocean.
• It is formed from debris entering the ocean via lakes, rivers, and streams, trapped in a vortex created by ocean currents.
• Size comparison: More than three times the size of Texas, extending from Japan to Hawaii and California.
• Calculating the total amount of garbage is challenging due to dense layers of debris.
• Compositions of garbage:
  • Predominantly type H plastics and type F foam plastics.
  • Includes abandoned fishing nets and plastic ropes.
• Plastic pollution is extensive: 180 times more plastic than food is found in the patch.
• Sea turtles and other marine life often consume plastic, leading to unhealthy diets (up to 74% composed of ocean plastics).

Effects on Humans

• Although initially affecting marine species, the impact extends to humans.
• Plastics do not degrade but break down into microplastics, which infiltrate the food supply (e.g., seafood, sea salt).
• Microplastics disrupt the human endocrine system, causing hormonal imbalances.

Strategies for Change

• Acknowledge the environmental impact of human activities.
• Individuals, families, and communities can influence positive change.
• Support organizations like For Ocean and The Ocean Cleanup through donations and volunteering.
• Personal actions to mitigate plastic use:
  • Recycling plastic bottles and containers.
  • Reducing overall plastic consumption.
  • Reusing existing plastic products.
• Advocate for awareness regarding ocean waste and microplastics.

Conclusion

• Change begins with individual effort; collectively we can address and solve the issue of ocean plastic pollution.
• Together, we can work towards a sustainable future for our planet.